Downey introduces dog obedience classes

Photo by Pam Lane, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

DOWNEY –  The city of Downey is now offering dog obedience classes at Rio San Gabriel Park. 

Two classes are available: Puppy Kindergarten and Basic Obedience. 

Puppy Kindergarten is for puppies ages 12-20 weeks and their owners. Puppies will be socialized so they learn to handle stress and new situations as an adult. 

“The lessons they learn during this ‘critical socialization period’ will affect them for life,” the city says. “Thus, it is important to teach puppies to accept and be comfortable with a variety of people, places, sights and sounds.”

The class also provides owner education in all aspects of canine development and behavior problem prevention and resolution. 

Puppy Kindergarten is held from 9-10 a.m. and starts Feb. 13. The class is seven weeks long and costs $85 for Downey residents. 

The Basic Obedience class is for dogs ages 6 months and older. Foundation skills of sit, down, stay and come are taught, as well as real life behaviors such as greeting strangers, handling and grooming, and impulse control. 

Loose leash walking, get it, drop it, leave it, and targeting are taught as well. Owners will be asked to practice at home between each training session. 

“A strong commitment on your part to practice several times a day is necessary for real change to be effective,” officials said. 

Basic Obedience meets from 10-11 a.m. The seven-week class begins Feb. 13. Cost is $100 for Downey residents. 

To register, or for additional information, call the Barbara J. Riley Center at (562) 904-7223.